Walkies! Charity Dog Walk Is Declared 'Pawsome' Success

The Great Isle of Wight Dog Walk — held last Sunday (27 April) — has been officially declared a howling success by organisers, participants, and supporters.

RSPCA Isle of Wight teamed up with the Steam Railway at Havenstreet who kindly offered their amazing venue to walkers and their dogs.

Friends of the Animals organised a Fun Dog Show with classes including 'Prettiest Bitch', 'Most Handsome Dog', 'Waggiest Tail' and 'Best Six Legs'.

The morning walk involved a ride on a vintage steam train to the start of a dog-friendly, 3-mile walking route in glorious spring sunshine back to the station.

The afternoon hike was a circular 5 miles from Havenstreet.

More than 100 dogs and 300 people joined in, including the Island’s newly appointed High Sherriff Jacqueline Gazzard who officially started the walk with her own dog Humphrey by her side.

She commented:

“A ride on the steam train and then a fabulous walk with sixty other dogs! Humphrey the cockapoo was beside himself and I loved meeting those who joined in, whether on two legs or four!”

Meanwhile, back at Havenstreet, there was a variety of stalls to browse including Happy Hound Artisan Bakery, Country Canines and Track a Dog.

Generously, some of them even donated their entire takings from the day to the charity.

Branch Director Steve Backhouse said:

"We raised more than £3,000 which is a fantastic result.

"As a small, independent and local charity we must fundraise for everything we spend here at the Branch and are always looking for new, fresh ideas to raise money.

"And of course, this wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of the bond we share with our pets and the strength of our Island community.”

With the success of this year’s event, plans are already underway to make the Great Isle of Wight Dog Walk an annual tradition.

Keep an eye on the website for more details of this and future events www.rspca-isleofwight.org,uk/events